Suction canister and corresponding systems and methods

ABSTRACT

A canister lid ( 101 ) for a canister ( 102 ) includes an annular perimeter ( 103 ) surrounding an interior portion ( 104 ). Rather than completely surrounding the interior portion, the annular perimeter is instead interrupted by a suction conduit ( 112 ) defined by a suction conduit ( 112 ) separating a first lobe ( 117 ) and a second lobe ( 118 ). The suction conduit ( 112 ) intersects the annular perimeter such that the first lobe is disposed interior of the annular perimeter while the second lobe is disposed exterior to the annular perimeter. The canister lid can further include one or more ports ( 110,111 ) extending from the interior portion. A canister ( 102 ) can include a valve ( 401 ) and can optionally be coupled to a hub mount vacuum source ( 1200 ) or a hub mount stand ( 1800 ).

CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application claiming priority andbenefit under 35 USC § 121 from U.S. application Ser. No. 15/214,280,filed Jul. 19, 2016, which is a continuation-in-part claiming priorityand benefit under 35 USC § 120 from U.S. application Ser. No.15/005,741, filed Jan. 25, 2016, each of which is incorporated byreference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

This disclosure relates generally to medical devices, and moreparticularly to medical suction devices.

Background Art

Medical professionals, such as surgeons, use vacuum-like devices toremove excess fluids during medical procedures. For example, during asurgical procedure, a surgeon will couple a suction device to a fluidcollection canister by way of a flexible tube. The suction device drawsunwanted fluids from the surgical site into the canister. A coagulantcan then be added to the fluid to transform it to a solid or semi-solidfor disposal. Fluid collection canisters are used to collect and disposeof fluids in a variety of medical procedures.

Fluid collection canisters have evolved over the years. In the earlytwentieth century, fluid collection canisters were manufactured fromglass. After a particular procedure, the glass canister was sterilizedand reused. Sometime around the 1960's, plastic fluid collectioncanisters, such as those manufactured from polystyrene, began to replaceglass canisters. The polystyrene canisters were disposable, therebyreducing the chance of a patient getting an infection or other malady asa result of improper sterilization.

In the 1990's, to combat the large amount of waste associated withdiscarding entire fluid collection canisters, liners were introduced.Rather than capturing fluid in the canister itself, fluids were capturedin a disposable lining. The introduction of liners reduced both cost andthe amount of waste.

Regardless of the type of canister used, little has changed in how thecanister operates. With traditional suction canister systems, hoses areconnected to ports disposed along the top of the lid. Tubes can becoupled to these ports in a fluid collection application. These varioustubings connected to the ports of the lid can become tangled and can beensnared by other objects. It would be advantageously to have animproved canister system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer toidentical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate viewsand which together with the detailed description below are incorporatedin and form part of the specification, serve to further illustratevarious embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages allin accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of one explanatory canister systemin accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one explanatory canister systemin accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a sectional view of one explanatory canister systemin accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates one explanatory switch suitable for use in a canistersystem in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates another explanatory switch suitable for use in acanister system in accordance with one or more embodiments of thedisclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates yet another explanatory switch suitable for use in acanister system in accordance with one or more embodiments of thedisclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates still another explanatory switch suitable for use ina canister system in accordance with one or more embodiments of thedisclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates a sectional view of another explanatory canistersystem in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a sectional view of still another explanatorycanister system in accordance with one or more embodiments of thedisclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of yet another explanatorycanister system in accordance with one or more embodiments of thedisclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates another explanatory canister system in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates another explanatory canister system in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates another explanatory canister system in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exploded view of one explanatory canister standin accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of another explanatory canisterstand in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 16 illustrates a sectional view of another explanatory canistersystem in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of another explanatory canisterstand in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of another explanatory canisterstand in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of another explanatory canistersystem in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective view of another explanatory canistersystem in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 21 illustrates a prior art lid on a canister configured inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 22 illustrates a perspective view of another explanatory canistersystem in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view of another explanatory canistersystem in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures areillustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily beendrawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements inthe figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help toimprove understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the disclosure are now described in detail. Referring tothe drawings, like numbers indicate like parts throughout the views. Asused in the description herein and throughout the claims, the followingterms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise: the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includesplural reference, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.”

Relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the likemay be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from anotherentity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actualsuch relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms“substantially” and “about” are used to refer to dimensions,orientations, or alignments inclusive of manufacturing tolerances. Thus,a “substantially orthogonal” angle with a manufacturing tolerance ofplus or minus two degrees would include all angles between 88 and 92,inclusive.

Reference designators shown herein in parenthesis indicate componentsshown in a figure other than the one in discussion. For example, talkingabout a device (10) while discussing figure A would refer to an element,10, shown in figure other than figure A. The apparatus components shownbelow have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols inthe drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent tounderstanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not toobscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the descriptionherein.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide suction canisters, suctioncanister lids, switches suitable for use with suction canisters, andsuction canister stands and mounts suitable for use in medical fluidcollection operations. Advantageously, in one or more embodiments thecanisters and canister lids eliminate one or more of the tubes or hosesrequired with prior art systems. Not only does this reduce systemcomplexity and cost, it makes setup and breakdown of canister systemsconfigured in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure faster andmore efficient as well.

In one or more embodiments, a canister is coupled to a canister lid thatincludes an annular perimeter surrounding an interior portion. Insteadof including a suction port and an exhaust port along the interior ofthe lid, in one embodiment the canister lid includes a suction conduitextending from a perimeter of the canister lid. In one embodiment, thesuction conduit interrupts the annular perimeter with a portion of thesuction duct that extends distally away from the annular perimeter.

In one or more embodiments, the suction conduit includes a suction ductthat separates a first lobe and a second lobe. In one or moreembodiments, the first lobe and the second lobe are substantiallycircular, while the suction duct is substantially straight. Accordingly,in such an embodiment when the suction conduit is viewed in plan view,the suction conduit can resemble a dog bone or double-ended lollipop.

In one or more embodiments, the suction duct separates the first lobeand the second lobe and traverses or intersects the annular perimetersuch that the first lobe is disposed interior of the annular perimeterwhile the second lobe is disposed exterior to the annular perimeter. Inone embodiment, the second lobe is operable to engage a suction portextending distally from the sidewall of a canister when the annularperimeter engages the lip of the canister. Advantageously, air can flowfrom the second lobe through the suction duct to the first lobe, or viceversa, such that the suction conduit serves as either a suction input oran exhaust. This eliminates the need for at least one tube or hose influid collection operations.

The canister lid can be coupled to a canister that is equipped toreceive suction from a vacuum tube or hose in one or more embodiments.Advantageously, the vacuum tube or hose is the only hose or tuberequired to provide complete suction to the canister due to the factthat air flows from the vacuum tube input of the canister through thesecond lobe, suction duct, and first lobe of the canister lid into thecanister. Accordingly, while prior art systems would require additionaltubes or hoses to couple ducts of a prior art lid to the vacuum tubeinput, one or more embodiments of the disclosure require only a singlevacuum tube or hose rather than multiple ones.

In other embodiments, the canister becomes completely tubeless in thatit is configured to couple directly to a stand that couples—withouthoses or tubes—a vacuum source within the stand to the vacuum input ofthe canister. This “plug and play” vacuum system allows canisters tofreely be coupled to, or decoupled from, the stand as needed. The standcan be equipped with switches or push buttons that medical personnel canactuate to turn a particular vacuum port ON or OFF, depending uponwhether a corresponding canister is coupled to a receiver associatedwith the vacuum port. In one or more embodiments, the stands areseparable so that they can be cleaned as well.

In some embodiments, the canister is configured to either be attached toa stand in a tubeless system or coupled to a vacuum port or hosedirectly. Accordingly, medical personnel can use canisters configured inaccordance with embodiments of the disclosure with legacy hose-basedsystems or with stands configured in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, the canister can be configured with simpleswitches that allow medical personnel to selectively turn ON or OFFsuction to an individual canister. These switches can be configured apush-button style switches, rotational switches, slider switches, orother types of switches. In one or more embodiments, the switchesinclude easily visible indicia that indicate whether suction is turnedON or OFF. In some embodiments, the switches are selectively removablefrom the canister body so that they can be cleaned and/or replaced asnecessary.

Turning now to FIG. 1 , illustrated therein is a canister system 100configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.The canister system 100 includes a canister lid 101 and a canister 102.Attached to the canister lid 101 in this embodiment is a disposableliner operable to catch fluids or other materials drawn in through thesuction port.

In one or more embodiments, the canister lid 101 is manufactured as aunitary, singular, integrated part where, for example, the annularperimeter 103, interior portion 104, the ports 110,111, suction conduit112, caps 113,114, and tabs 115,116 comprise a single part. However, inthe illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1 , the suction conduit 112comprises a separate suction conduit cap 106 coupled to each of thefirst lobe annular wall 107, the second lobe annular wall 108, and theone or more suction duct sidewalls 109. The suction conduit cap 106 canbe adhesively sealed to each of the first lobe annular wall 107, thesecond lobe annular wall 108, and the one or more suction duct sidewalls109 in one embodiment. Alternatively, the suction conduit cap 106 can bethermally or ultrasonically welded to each of the first lobe annularwall 107, the second lobe annular wall 108, and the one or more suctionduct sidewalls 109 in other embodiments. Other manufacturing processesfor adhering the suction conduit cap 106 to each of the each of thefirst lobe annular wall 107, the second lobe annular wall 108, and theone or more suction duct sidewalls 109 will be obvious to those ofordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, the canister lid 101 can be manufacturedfrom a thermoplastic material by way of an injection molding process.For example, in one embodiment, the canister lid 101 is manufacturedfrom polypropylene. In another embodiment, the canister lid 101 ismanufactured from polyethylene. It will be obvious to those of ordinaryskill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that othersuitable semi-rigid materials may be substituted for the thermoplastic.Further, other manufacturing processes may be used to fabricate thecanister lid 101 as well.

In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1 , the canister lid 101 includesan annular perimeter 103 surrounding an interior portion 104. In oneembodiment, the annular perimeter 103 defines a substantially circular(when viewed in plan view) sidewall surrounding the interior portion104. In one or more embodiments, the annular perimeter 103 is operableas a “canister connector” in that it is configured to connect to acanister, one example of which is a fluid collection canister.

In one embodiment, the canister lid 101 also includes a suction conduit112. As shown in FIG. 1 , in one embodiment the suction conduit 112comprises a suction duct defined by the suction duct sidewalls 109, afirst lobe 117, and a second lobe 118. In this illustrative embodiment,rather than completely surrounding the interior portion 104, the suctionconduit 112 instead interrupts the annular perimeter 103. In oneembodiment the suction conduit 112 separating the first lobe 117 and thesecond lobe 118 traverses or intersects the annular perimeter 103 suchthat the first lobe 117 is disposed interior of the annular perimeter103 along the interior portion 104 of the canister lid 101, while thesecond lobe 118 is disposed exterior to, and extends distally away froman outer edge of, the annular perimeter 103.

In one or more embodiments, the first lobe 117 and the second lobe 118are substantially circular, while the suction duct disposed between thefirst lobe 117 and the second lobe 118 is substantially straight.Accordingly, in such an embodiment when the suction conduit 112 isviewed in plan view, the suction conduit 112 can resemble a dog bone ordouble-ended lollipop. In colloquial terms, in one embodiment the centerof the “dog bone” of the suction conduit 112 bisects the annularperimeter 103 with half of the dog bone, i.e., the second lobe 118 and aportion of the suction conduit 112, extending outwardly away from anouter side of the annular perimeter 103 while another half of the dogbone, i.e., the first lobe 117 and another portion of the suctionconduit 112, are inside the annular perimeter 103 and traverse theinterior portion 104 of the canister lid 101.

In one or more embodiments, the suction conduit 112 is hollow on theinside such that air or other fluid can be drawn through each of thefirst lobe 117, the suction conduit 112, and the second lobe 118.Illustrating by example, in one embodiment the bottom side of thecanister lid 101 includes a first aperture disposed under the first lobe117. There is also a second aperture disposed under the second lobe 118.Accordingly, the first lobe 117 and the second lobe 118 serve as chamberwalls for the first aperture and the second aperture, respectively. Asthe suction duct disposed between the first lobe 117 and the second lobe118 is hollow and connects these two chambers, air and other fluids canflow into the first aperture, through the first lobe, through thesuction conduit 112, into the second lobe 118, and out of the secondaperture, or vice versa. Thus, the inclusion of the suction conduit 112advantageously allows for the elimination of a hose or tube that wouldtraditionally be used to remove air from, or deliver air to, a suctioncanister.

In one embodiment, the first lobe 117 comprises a first lobe annularwall 107. Similarly, in one embodiment the second lobe 118 comprises asecond lobe annular wall 108. The suction duct disposed therebetween caninclude one or more suction duct sidewalls 109 that connect the firstlobe annular wall 107 and the second lobe annular wall 108. In thisillustrative embodiment the first lobe annular wall 107 and the secondlobe annular wall 108 are substantially circular in cross section.However, it should be noted that other shapes could be substituted forthe generally circular first lobe annular wall 107 and second lobeannular wall 108. These sidewalls could alternatively be rectangular,triangular, take free form shapes, or be ovular, pentagonal, hexagonal,and so forth. Other shapes and configurations for the first lobe annularwall 107 and the second lobe annular wall 108 will be obvious to thoseof ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

In this illustrative embodiment, the first lobe annular wall 107 isgreater in circumference than is the second lobe annular wall 108. Thisresults in the first lobe 117 being a “bigger circle” or “bigger end ofthe dog bone” than the second lobe 118. In other embodiments, the secondlobe annular wall 108 may have a greater perimeter than the first lobeannular wall 107. In still other embodiments, the first lobe annularwall 107 and the second lobe annular wall 108 will have substantiallyequal perimeters.

In one or more embodiments, the annular perimeter 103 of the canisterlid 101 is operable to connect to the lip edge 119 of the canister 102.When this occurs, the interior portion 104 spans and essentially sealsthe opening 120 of the canister 102. In one or more embodiments, thecanister lid 101 also includes one or more ports 110,111 extending fromthe interior portion 104. The one or more ports 110,111 facilitate thetransport of fluids, be they air, liquids, or other fluids, into andaway from the canister. In this illustrative embodiment, the canisterlid 101 includes two ports 110,111.

For reference, the canister lid 101 can be thought of as having atopside 121 and a “canister engaging side” 212. For convention, thetopside 121 is the side exposed to the environment when the canister lid101 is coupled to a canister 102. By contrast, the canister engagingside 122 engages the canister 102 and correspondingly is oriented towardthe interior 120 of the canister 102 when the canister lid 101 seals thecanister 102. In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1 , each of theports 110,111 extends distally from the interior portion 104 from thetopside 121. By contrast, the first aperture disposed beneath the firstlobe 117 and the second aperture disposed beneath the second lobe 118are each disposed along the canister engaging side 122.

As noted above, in one or more embodiments the one or more ports 110,111facilitate fluid collection and transport to and from a canister 102 towhich the canister lid 101 is coupled. While the ports 110,111 can bearranged in any number of ways, and can accommodate any number offunctions, in one embodiment a first port 111 comprises a suction portwhile a second port 110 comprises a pour spout.

In one or more embodiments, a tube or hose can be coupled to the suctionport. A vacuum or other suction appliance is then coupled vacuum tubeinput 123 disposed beneath the second lobe 118. The tube or hose coupledto the suction port can then coupled to a hand-held suction device. Whenthe vacuum or suction appliance is actuated, the vacuum draws air fromthe canister 102 from the vacuum tube input 123, through the firstaperture disposed beneath the first lobe 117, through the suction duct,through the second lobe 118, and out the second aperture. This causesfluid to be drawn through the hand-held suction device into the suctionport and into the canister 102 to which the canister lid 101 is coupled.Fluid can be prevented from entering the vacuum or suction device by wayof a filter (not shown) placed beneath the first aperture disposedbeneath the first lobe 117.

In other embodiments, the suction port can alternatively be used as atandem port. A tandem port is a port that can be used to daisy chainfluid collection canisters together. For example, in some medicalprocedures, it will be anticipated that more fluid will be collectedthan can be stored in a single fluid collection canister. In suchsituations, it may be necessary to couple multiple fluid collectioncanisters together with a tandem port, such that when one gets full,fluid can be delivered to other, empty fluid collection canisters.

The pour spout can be used for a variety of purposes. Illustrating byexample, in one or more embodiments the pour spout can be used forpouring solidifier into a filled canister after drawing fluids into thecanister. The solidifier agglutinates the fluid, thereby making it easyto transport or dispose. In alternate embodiments, the pour spout can beused to pour fluids out of the canister.

In one or more embodiments, such as for optimal “draw” when inoperation, ports not in use can be sealed with one or more caps 113,114that are integrally tethered, in this illustrative embodiment, to thecanister lid 101 by a corresponding tab 115,116. Illustrating byexample, if fluids were being drawn into the suction port, cap 114 couldbe placed atop the pour spout to seal it. Conversely, if liquid wasbeing poured out the pour spout, cap 113 could be placed over thesuction port. Where fluids were being transported, cap 114 could beplaced over the pour spout while cap 113 was placed over the suctionport. In one or more embodiments, the one or more caps 113,114 are tocover the one or more ports 110,111 on a one-to-one basis.

In one or more embodiments, to prevent the caps from being lost, eachcap 113,114 is tethered directly to an exterior wall of the annularperimeter 103 by a corresponding tab 115,116 that is integrally formedwith, and extends distally away from, the exterior wall of the annularperimeter 103. In this illustrative embodiment, each tab 115,116 extendssubstantially orthogonally away from the exterior wall of the annularperimeter 103.

While the one or more ports 110,111 can be disposed in various locationsacross the interior portion 104 of the canister lid 101, in oneembodiment the ports 110,111 and the first lobe 117 of the suctionconduit 112 are roughly evenly spaced around the interior portion 104.For example, in one embodiment the first lobe 117, the pour spout, i.e.,port 110, and the suction port, i.e., port 111, are each radiallyseparated by about 120 degrees along the interior portion 104. Thisresults in the first lobe 117 being roughly at the “twelve o'clock”position when the suction conduit 112 is oriented at the top of thecanister lid 101, while port 111 is roughly at the four o'clock positionand port 110 is roughly at the eight o'clock position. Arranging thefirst lobe 117 and one or more ports 110,111 in this orientation offersmaximum separation from each element about the interior portion 104 ofthe canister lid 101.

In this illustrative embodiment, the one or more ports 110,111 extenddistally from the topside 121 of the interior portion 104 of thecanister lid 101. In one embodiment, each of the one or more ports110,111 extends to a common height from the interior portion 104 of thecanister lid 101. However, in other embodiments, to provide a mnemonicdevice indicating which port 110,111 is used for which function, the oneor more ports 110,111 extend to different heights from the interiorportion 104 of the canister lid. For instance, in this illustrativeembodiment, port 111 extends distally away from the interior portion 104farther than does port 110. Accordingly, where port 111 is a suctionport and port 110 is a pour spout, port 111 can extend farther from theinterior portion 104 to facilitate the connection of a hose or tube forsuction operations.

In one or more embodiments, the annular perimeter 103 defines a canisterlip engaging recess open to the canister engaging side 122 of thecanister lid 101. In one or more embodiments, the canister lip engagingrecess comprises a first annular wall, a second annular wall, and abridge spanning the first annular wall and the second annular wall. Inthis illustrative embodiment, the second annular wall comprises anexterior wall of both the canister lid 101 and the annular perimeter103. In one or more embodiments, the bridge is oriented substantiallyorthogonally with both the first annular wall and the second annularwall.

In one or more embodiments, the canister lip engaging recess can includemechanical features for engaging the lip 119 of the canister 102.Examples of these mechanical features include mechanical locks, snaps,and the like. In other embodiments, the canister lip engaging recess caninclude threads so as to be screwed onto the lip 119 of the canister 102to form a hermetic seal. In such an embodiment, the second annular wallcan include an inclined plane disposed along an interior portion of thesecond annular wall that defines a thread. Alternatively, a dual threadcan be used. Other attachment mechanisms suitable for use in thecanister lip engaging recess will be obvious to those of ordinary skillin the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1 , each of the one or more ofports 110,111 extends distally from the interior portion 104 by a heightthat exceeds a height of the annular perimeter 103. Said differently, inone or more embodiments a height of the first annular wall to thetopside 121 from the interior portion 104 is less than a height ofeither of the one or more ports 110,111.

Canisters suitable for use with embodiments of the disclosure can bemanufactured in different sizes. For example, in one embodiment thecanister 102 is a 2400 cc canister. In another embodiment, the canister102 is a 1500 cc canister. These sizes are exemplary only, andembodiments of the invention are not intended to be limited in thisregard, as any of canisters suitable for use with the invention can becreated in a wide variety of sizes.

In one embodiment, the canister 102 is manufactured from a clear,substantially rigid thermoplastic by way of an injection moldingprocess. For example, in one embodiment the canister 102 is manufacturedfrom clear polystyrene, which is also known sometimes by the name“crystal styrene.”

In one embodiment, the canister includes a rim, which may include thelip 119 or other mating feature that is suitable for coupling to orotherwise engaging a canister lip engaging recess of a canister lid 101.In this illustrative embodiment, the canister includes a cylindricalsidewall 124 that extends from a base 125. In this illustrativeembodiment, the cylindrical sidewall 124 is substantially orthogonalrelative to the base 125. However, in other embodiments, the cylindricalsidewall 124 is modestly tapered outward from the base 125, such as bytwo degrees. In still other embodiments, the canister 102 can includetapered sidewalls that extend distally from the base 125 to the lip 119with an outward flare. Tapered sidewalls help facilitate release of thecanister 102 both from stacked configurations with other canisters andfrom a mold, where the canister 102 can be manufactured by injectionmolding. In one or more embodiments, the lip 119 extends outwardly fromthe cylindrical sidewall 124.

In this illustrative embodiment, the canister 102 also includes anexterior suction assembly 126. In one embodiment, the exterior suctionassembly 126 includes a suction port 127 extending distally from thecylindrical sidewall 124 on a mechanical support 128 that allows thesuction port 127 to attach to a central vacuum or suction apparatus in ahospital or other medical facility. Advantageously, the “overhanging dogbone” of the second lobe 118 extending from the annular perimeter 103 ofa canister lid 101 configured in accordance with one or more embodimentsof the disclosure allows this suction port 127 to draw air through thesuction conduit 112 from the interior of the canister 102. To providethis functionality, the second lobe 118 is to engage the suction port127 when the canister lip engaging recess of the annular perimeter 103of a canister lid 101 engages the lip 119 of the canister 102. This willbe shown in more detail in FIG. 3 below.

Turning now to FIG. 2 , illustrated therein is the assembled canistersystem 200 once the canister lid 101 has been attached to the lip (119)of the canister 102. In one or more embodiments, the second annular wallof the annular perimeter 103 can include one or more compliant couplingmembers to attach to the lip (119) of the canister 102. The secondannular wall of the annular perimeter 103 can also be configured ascantilevered member operable to “clamp” the second annular wall of thecanister lid 101 to the lip (119) of the canister 102. As shown in FIG.2 , the second lobe engages the suction port (127) of the canister 102when the annular perimeter 103 of the canister lid 101 engages the lip(119) of the canister 102. This is shown in more detail in the sectionalview of FIG. 3 .

Turning now to FIG. 3 , the second lobe 118 of the canister lid 101 isshown engaging the suction port 127 of the canister 102 when the annularperimeter 103 of the canister lid 101 engages the lip 119 of thecanister 102. Other features of the canister lid 101 are visible fromthis sectional view as well. For example, in this illustrativeembodiment the interior portion 120 of the canister lid 101 defines aconvex surface 301 toward the container engaging side 122 of thecanister lid 101. Additionally, the interior portion 120 is shownspanning an interior of the annular perimeter 103. This convex surface301 can be advantageous when the pressure within the canister 102 isless than outside the canister 102.

Specifically, when the canister lid 101 is sealed to the canister 102,and pressure is either removed from the exterior of the canister system300, such as when the suction port 127 is coupled to a vacuum or othersuction device, or is added to the interior of the canister 102, such asby fermentation of liquids contained within the canister 102, the convexsurface 301 works as a mechanical buttress to improve the seal betweenthe canister lid 101 and canister 102. When the convex surface 301 ispushed outward, the second annular wall of the annular perimeter 103 ispushed inward against the lip 119 of the canister 102, therebyincreasing the integrity of the seal therebetween.

In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 3 , the convex surface 301 isconfigured to extend from the first annular wall of the annularperimeter 103 towards the canister engaging side 122 of the canister lid101. Said differently, as viewed in FIG. 3 , the convex surface 301points downward, or toward the canister engaging side 122. In oneembodiment, the portions of the interior portion 104 defining the sidesof the convex surface 301 extend from the first annular wall of theannular perimeter 103 at an angle between ninety-five and one hundredand five degrees. This results in a convex surface 301 shape that isbetween three and ten millimeters in depth.

Another feature that can be seen in the sectional view of FIG. 3 is abarrier wall 302 extending from the interior portion 104 distally towardthe canister engaging side 122 of the canister lid 101. In one or moreembodiments, the barrier wall 302 is to engage the disposable liner 304to ensure that no fluids pass outside the disposable liner into theinterior portion of the canister 102 disposed between the disposableliner 304 and the cylindrical sidewall 124.

The orientation of the one or more ports 110,(111) can also be seen inthe sectional view of FIG. 3 . In this illustrative embodiment, a majoraxis 303 of the one or more ports 110,(111) is oriented substantiallyparallel with the barrier wall 302. In other embodiments, the major axis303 of the one or more ports 110,(111) can be oriented orthogonally withthe barrier wall 302 as taught in commonly assigned U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/769,900, filed Apr. 29, 2010, which isincorporated herein by reference. In still other embodiments, the majoraxis 303 of the one or more ports 110,(111) can be oriented skew withthe barrier wall 302. Other configurations will be obvious to those ofordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

Turning briefly back to FIG. 1 , in this illustrative embodiment anexterior suction assembly 126 extends downward from the mechanicalsupport 128 and terminates at a suction port 127. The suction port 127can attach to a central vacuum or suction apparatus in a hospital orother medical facility. In one or more embodiments, a mechanical valveswitch 129 can be rotated to open, or close, the conduit defined throughthe exterior suction assembly 126 to permit the central vacuum orsuction apparatus to draw air from the interior of the canister 102.While this mechanical valve switch 129 works well in practice,embodiments of the disclosure contemplate that improved valve switchesoffer advantages when used in conjunction with the canister lidsconfigured in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. Examples ofimproved valve switches are shown in FIGS. 4-7 .

Turning now to FIG. 4 , illustrated therein is one valve 401 suitablefor use with a canister lid (101) configured in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the disclosure. In contrast to being disposed belowthe mechanical support 128, as was the case in FIG. 3 , in theembodiment of FIG. 4 the valve 401 is disposed atop the mechanicalsupport 128. Accordingly, when the canister lid (101) is attached tocanister 102, the valve 401 can be disposed between the second lobe(118) extending from the annular perimeter (103) when the canister lipengaging recess of the annular perimeter (103) engages the lip 119 ofthe canister 102.

In one embodiment, the valve 401 sits between the second lobe (118)extending from the annular perimeter (103) of a canister lid (101) andthe mechanical support 128 so that a push button 402 can be accessedfrom beneath the canister lid (101). In this embodiment, the push button402 is coupled to a shaft 403 that extends from the valve 401. The shaft403 includes visual indicia 404, which in this embodiment is configuredas a recess in the shaft 403. The recess can optionally be color codedto more easily indicate to a user whether the valve 401 is ON or OFF.

In one embodiment, the shaft 403 includes an aperture that aligns withthe conduit defined axially in the valve 401 when the shaft 403 is in afirst position. However, when the shaft 403 is translated laterally to asecond position, the aperture becomes misaligned with the conduit toprevent air from flowing therethrough. Accordingly, when the shaft 403is shown in the position of FIG. 4 , with the visual indicia 404extending from the right side of the valve 401, the valve 401 is OFF.However, by pushing the push button 402 toward the body of the valve401, the shaft 403 translates to the left (as shown in FIG. 4 ) to alignthe aperture with the conduit. The other side of the shaft 403 wouldthen translate out of the valve 401 to present other visual indicia 405indicating that the valve 401 is ON. As noted, the visual indicia 404and other visual indicia 405 may be color coded to more convenientlyindicate the state of the valve 401. For example, visual indicia 404 maybe red while other visual indicia 405 may be green, and so forth.

Turning now to FIG. 5 , illustrated therein is a valve 501 that issimilar to the valve (401) of FIG. 4 , but with the shaft (403) beingreplaced by a plank 503. The valve 501 of FIG. 5 also differs from thevalve (401) of FIG. 4 in that the push button (402) has been replaced bya concave recess 502.

As shown in FIG. 5 , the valve 501 is again disposed atop the mechanicalsupport 128. Accordingly, when the canister lid (101) is attached to thecanister 102, the valve 501 is disposed between the second lobe (118)extending from the annular perimeter (103) when the canister lipengaging recess of the annular perimeter (103) engages the lip 119 ofthe canister 102. This allows the plank 503, and it's correspondingconcave recesses 502, to be accessed from beneath the canister lid(101). As was the case with the valve (401) of FIG. 4 , the plank 503 ofFIG. 5 includes visual indicia 504,505, which in this embodiment isconfigured as the words “ON” and “OFF.” Alternatively, or in combinationwith the words “ON” and “OFF,” the visual indicia 504,505 can optionallybe color coded to more easily indicate to a user whether the valve 501is ON or OFF.

In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 5 , the plank 503 includes anaperture 506 that aligns with the conduit 507 defined axially in thevalve 501 when the plank 503 is in a first position. However, when theplank 503 is translated laterally to a second position, the aperture 506becomes misaligned with the conduit 507 to prevent the flow of air.Accordingly, when the plank 503 is shown in the position of FIG. 5 ,with the visual indicia 504 extending from the right side of the valve501, the valve 501 is ON. However, by pushing the concave recess 502toward the body of the valve 501, the plank 503 translates to the left(as shown in FIG. 5 ) to misalign the aperture 506 with the conduit 507.The other side of the plank 503 would then translate out of the valve501 to present visual indicia 505 indicating that the valve 501 is OFF.

Turning now to FIG. 6 , illustrated therein is yet another valve 601suitable for use with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.However, rather than being a translational valve that includes a shaft(403) or plank (503) that translates into and out of a valve body, thecontrol mechanism 602 of FIG. 6 comprises a twist component. By twistingthe control mechanism 602 to one of the right or the left, the valve 601is turned ON. By twisting the control mechanism 602 to another of theright or the left, the valve 601 is turned OFF. In one or moreembodiments, the twist component is inserted into the body of the valve601 and then covered by a glued insert.

As with the previous embodiments, the valve 601 is again disposed atopthe mechanical support 128. Accordingly, when the canister lid (101) isattached to the canister 102, the valve 601 is disposed between thesecond lobe (118) extending from the annular perimeter (103) when thecanister lip engaging recess of the annular perimeter (103) engages thelip 119 of the canister 102. This allows the control mechanism 602 to beaccessed from beneath the canister lid (101). As discussed above, thecontrol mechanism 602 can include visual indicia and/or words to easilyindicate to a user whether the valve 601 is ON or OFF.

Turning now to FIG. 7 , illustrated therein is yet another valve 701suitable for use with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. As withthe valve (601) of FIG. 6 , the control mechanism 702 of FIG. 7comprises a twist component. In this illustrative embodiment, the twistcomponent is actuated by axially rotating a paddle 703 attached to thetwist component. By applying force to the paddle 703 to twist thecontrol mechanism 702 to one of the right or the left, the valve 701 isturned ON. By applying an opposite force to the paddle 703 to twist thecontrol mechanism 702 to the other of the right or the left, the valve701 is turned OFF.

As with the previous embodiments, the valve 701 is again disposed atopthe mechanical support 128. Accordingly, when the canister lid (101) isattached to the canister 102, the valve 701 is disposed between thesecond lobe (118) extending from the annular perimeter (103) when thecanister lip engaging recess of the annular perimeter (103) engages thelip 119 of the canister 102. This allows the control mechanism 702 to beaccessed from beneath the canister lid (101). As discussed above, thecontrol mechanism 702 can include visual indicia and/or words to easilyindicate to a user whether the valve 701 is ON or OFF.

In this illustrative embodiment, the valve 701 is removable from thecanister 102 for cleaning and/or replacement. In one embodiment, thevalve 701 comprises a mechanical projection 704 that sits within acorresponding mechanical recess of the mechanical support 128 to preventthe valve 701 from rotating when force is applied to the paddle 703 totwist the control mechanism 702 right or left. As with previousembodiments, the valve 701 defines a conduit 707 through which air flowswhen the valve 701 is ON. In one embodiment, the valve 701 furtherincludes an air hole 708 that connects to the conduit 707 to providesuction to the cylindrical sidewall 124 to prevent the disposable liner304 from collapsing as described above with reference to FIG. 3 . Itshould be noted that while the valves (401,501,601) of FIGS. 4-6 wereshown permanently coupled to the mechanical support 128, they could beremovable as is the case with the valve 701 of FIG. 7 . Additionally,while the valve 701 of FIG. 7 is shown as being removable from themechanical support 128, it could be permanently coupled to themechanical support as is the case with the valves (401,501,601) of FIGS.4-6 . Other configurations will be obvious to those of ordinary skill inthe art having the benefit of this disclosure.

Turning now to FIG. 8 , illustrated therein is yet another valve 801configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.As was the case with the valves (601,701) of FIGS. 6-7 , the valve 801of FIG. 8 is disposed atop the mechanical support 128. As shown in FIG.8 , when the canister lid 101 is attached to the canister 102, the valve801 is disposed between the second lobe 118 extending from the annularperimeter 103 when the canister lip engaging recess of the annularperimeter 103 engages the lip 119 of the canister 102. This allows thetwist mechanism 802 to be accessed from beneath the canister lid (101).

As was the case with the valves (601,701) of FIGS. 6-7 , the valve 801of FIG. 8 is equipped with a twist mechanism 802. The twist mechanism802 can include visual indicia and/or words to easily indicate to a userwhether the valve 801 is ON or OFF. By twisting the twist mechanism 802to one of the right or the left, the valve 801 is turned ON. By twistingthe twist mechanism 802 to another of the right or the left, the valve801 is turned OFF.

Turning now to FIG. 9 , illustrated therein is yet another valve 901configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.In contrast with the valves (601,701,801) of FIGS. 6-8 , the valve 901of FIG. 9 is disposed beneath the mechanical support 128. Accordingly,the valve 901 corms part of an exterior suction assembly 926 extendingdownward from the mechanical support 128 and terminating at a suctionport 927. When the suction port 927 is attached to a central vacuum orsuction apparatus in a hospital or other medical facility, and the twistmechanism 902 is rotated to the ON position, the conduit 907 definedthrough the valve 901 permits the central vacuum or suction apparatus todraw air from the interior of the canister 102. As was the case with theembodiment of FIG. 7 , and optionally FIGS. 4-6 , the valve 901 of FIG.9 is removable from the canister 102 for cleaning or replacement.

Turning now to FIG. 10 , illustrated therein is yet another valve 1001configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.As was the case with FIG. 1 , in this illustrative embodiment anexterior suction assembly extends downward from the mechanical support128 and terminates at a suction port. The suction port can attach to acentral vacuum or suction apparatus in a hospital or other medicalfacility. In this illustrative embodiment, rather than being equippedwith a large, bulky, and unwieldy mechanical valve switch (129), thevalve 1001 has a simple twist mechanism 1002 coupled to a paddle 1003.By applying force to the paddle 1003 to twist the twist mechanism 1002to one of the right or the left, the valve 1001 is turned ON. Byapplying an opposite force to the paddle 1003 to twist the twistmechanism 1002 to the other of the right or the left, the valve 1001 isturned OFF. The valve 1001 offers a more streamlined, compact, easy touse, and more aesthetically pleasing control mechanism than did thelarge, bulky, and unwieldy mechanical valve switch (129) of FIG. 1 .

As noted above, the use of the canister lid 101 in FIGS. 1-10 helps toeliminate at least one hose or tubing compared with prior art designs.Specifically, the canister lid 101 includes the suction conduit (112),which is hollow on the inside such that air or other fluid can be drawnthrough each of the first lobe (117), the suction conduit (112), and thesecond lobe 118. As the suction conduit (112) is disposed between thefirst lobe (117) and the second lobe (118) is hollow and connects thesetwo chambers, air and other fluids can flow through the suction conduit(112). Thus, the inclusion of the suction conduit (112) advantageouslyallows for the elimination of a hose or tube that would traditionally beused to remove air from, or deliver air to, a suction canister.

At the same time, the embodiments of FIGS. 1-10 all include some form ofexterior suction assembly (e.g., exterior suction assembly 126 of FIG. 1) that has a vacuum tube input (e.g., vacuum tube input 123 of FIG. 1 )that is coupled to a hose or tube. In the embodiments of FIGS. 1-10 ,this vacuum tube input extends downward from the mechanical supportextending from the canister body, and allows the embodiments of FIGS.1-10 to be used with prior art stands and hospital infrastructure wherea vacuum hose connection is provided.

However, embodiments of the disclosure contemplate that additional hosesor vacuum tubes can further be eliminated from a suction system. Turningnow to FIG. 11 , illustrated therein is one such suction canister. InFIG. 11 , rather than including a vacuum tube input, the canister 1102includes a tubeless vacuum connection port 1103 that couples to atubeless manifold. One example of such a tubeless manifold is describedbelow with reference to FIG. 12 .

Effectively, the embodiment of FIG. 11 differs from previous embodimentsin that the tubeless vacuum connection port 1103 extends laterallythrough a mounting bracket 1104 extending orthogonally from themechanical support 128 that extends distally from the cylindricalsidewall 124 of the canister 1102. This is in contrast to the vacuumtube input (123) of FIG. 1 , which extends downward from the mechanicalsupport. Accordingly, in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 11 , thetubeless vacuum connection port 1103 extends from the suction port 127toward, and away from, the cylindrical sidewall 124 of the canister1102.

As shown in FIG. 11 , the second lobe 118 of the canister lid 101engages the suction port 127 of the canister 1102 when the annularperimeter of the canister lid 101 engages the lip 119 of the canister1102. When the canister lid 101 is sealed to the canister 1102, and avacuum source is coupled to the tubeless vacuum connection port 1103,air and/or fluids are drawn both through the tubeless vacuum connectionport 1103 and the suction port 127 to draw fluids from the disposableliner 304 without collapsing the same.

Turning now to FIG. 12 , illustrated therein is the canister 1102 beingcoupled to a hub mount vacuum source 1200. In one embodiment, the hubmount vacuum source 1200 is manufactured from plastic and is circular inits plan view to accommodate many different canisters. However, as willbe shown in subsequent figures, other hub mount vacuum sources can takedifferent plan cross sectional shapes.

In this illustrative embodiment, the hub mount vacuum source 1200includes one or more canister receivers 1201,1202 to receive themounting bracket 1104 of the canister 1102 that extends orthogonallyfrom the mechanical support 128 that extends distally from thecylindrical sidewall 124 of the canister 1102. In one or moreembodiments, the mounting bracket 1104 of the canister 1102 ispressure-fit into each canister receiver 1201,1202 using gasketcompression and draft angles of the sidewalls of each canister receiver1201,1202. In one or more embodiments, each canister receiver 1201,1202can include an internal locking mechanism 1203 that retains themechanical support 128 securely in a predefined alignment within itsrespective canister receiver 1201.

As shown in FIG. 12 , in one embodiment each canister receiver 1201,1202includes a vacuum port 1205,1206 that aligns with the tubeless vacuumconnection port (1103) extending laterally through a mounting bracket1104 when the mounting bracket 1104 seats within its respective canisterreceiver 1201. A central vacuum source 1204 can be coupled to the hubmount vacuum source 1200 to provide suction to teach of the vacuum ports1205,1206 when activated. The central vacuum source 1204 can propagateto other hub mount vacuum sources, as necessary, via internal piping1209 or other connections. While shown connected to the top of the hubmount vacuum source 1200 in FIG. 12 , in other embodiments the centralvacuum source 1204 can be coupled to the bottom of the hub mount vacuumsource 1200 in a central location or off-center location. In oneembodiment, the central vacuum source 1204 is permanently coupled to thehub mount vacuum source 1200. In other embodiments, the central vacuumsource 1204 may be detachable from the hub mount vacuum source 1200 foroptional regular attachment thereto.

In one or more embodiments, vacuum pressure flows from the vacuum ports1205,1206 to the central vacuum source 1204 through internal manifoldsdisposed within the hub mount vacuum source 1200. Turning briefly toFIG. 14 , such internal manifolds 1401,1402,1403,1404 can be seen.

In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 14 , the hub mount vacuum source1200 is configured in two portions, i.e., a first portion 1405 and asecond portion 1406. In one embodiment, the first portion 1405 isseparable from the second portion 1406 to clean or otherwise service theinternal manifolds 1401,1402,1403,1404. In this illustrative embodiment,the vacuum ports 1205,1206 split in two partial port portions when thefirst portion 1405 and the second portion 1406 are separated tofacilitate cleaning or other service operations. In one or moreembodiments, gaskets can be placed in, or along side, the internalmanifolds 1401,1402,1403,1404 to prevent air leaks between manifoldswhen the first portion 1405 is coupled to the second portion 1406. Inone or more embodiments, each of the first portion 1405 and the secondportion 1406 are manufactured from thermoplastics with an injectionmolding process.

In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 14 , each of the internalmanifolds 1401,1402,1403,1404 terminates at a central vacuum aperture1407. In one embodiment, when the first portion 1405 couples to thesecond portion 1406, the central vacuum aperture 1407 disposed in thesecond portion 1406 can couple to the corresponding central vacuumaperture disposed in the first portion 1405 with a threaded connectionto provide a hermetic seal. Additionally, it should be noted that thefirst portion 1405 can be coupled to the second portion 1406 in avariety of ways, including by using clamps, latches, a threaded centralcolumn, pressure fitting with screws, or with mechanical components thatsnap together. Other mechanisms for coupling either the first portion1405 to the second portion 1406 or the central vacuum aperture 1407disposed in the second portion 1406 to the corresponding central vacuumaperture disposed in the first portion 1405 will be obvious to those ofordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

While the internal manifolds 1401,1402,1403,1404 of FIG. 14 are shown asmechanical recesses in the first portion 1405 and second portion 1406,respectively, in other embodiments these manifolds can compriseremovable manifold tubing that can be detached from each vacuum port1205,1206 for cleaning or replacement. Other configurations of internalmanifolds 1401,1402,1403,1404 will be obvious to those of ordinary skillin the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

Turning now back to FIG. 12 , in one or more embodiments, O-ring seals1207,1208 or other sealing mechanisms can be disposed about the vacuumports 1205,1206 to ensure that there is a pressure-fit seal between thetubeless vacuum connection port (1103) and its corresponding vacuum port1205. Accordingly, when the central vacuum source 1204 is actuated,fluids can be drawn from the tubeless vacuum connection port (1103)through the vacuum ports 1205,1206 through the internal manifolds1401,1402,1403,1404 into the central vacuum source 1204.

In one or more embodiments, the tubeless vacuum connection port (1103)can be configured so that the canister 1102 can be used with either ahub mount vacuum source 1200 or a prior art tube. For example, turningnow to FIG. 13 illustrated therein is the central vacuum source 1204being inserted directly into the tubeless vacuum connection port 1103 sothat the canister 1102 can be used without the hub mount vacuum source1200. Where the central vacuum source 1204 is too large for, or isotherwise non-fitting with, the tubeless vacuum connection port 1103, aseparate suction hose can be pressure fit into the tubeless vacuumconnection port 1103 so that the canister 1102 can be used in astandalone mode.

Moreover, embodiments of the disclosure can even be used with prior artlids. Turning briefly to FIG. 21 , illustrated therein is a prior artlid 2100 being used with a canister 1102 configured in accordance withone or more embodiments of the disclosure. The prior art lid includes apour spout 2101, and one or more suction ports 2102,2013. In thisillustrative embodiment, each of the pour spout 2101 and the suctionports 2102,2013 includes a cap 2104,2105,2016 that can be used as acover when tubing 2107 is not coupled thereto.

As was the case with FIG. 11 , the canister 1102 includes a tubelessvacuum connection port (1103) that couples to a tubeless manifold. Thetubeless vacuum connection port (1103) extends laterally through amounting bracket 1104 extending orthogonally from the mechanical support128 that extends distally from the cylindrical sidewall 124 of thecanister 1102. Rather than a second lobe (118) of a canister lid (101)configured in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure engaging thesuction port 127 of the canister 1102, to make the prior art lid 2100compatible with the canister 1102 tubing 2107 can be coupled between,for example, the suction port 127 of the canister 1102 and acorresponding suction port 2102 of the lid 2100. When the prior art lid2101 is sealed to the canister 1102, and a vacuum source is coupled tothe tubeless vacuum connection port (1103), air and/or fluids are drawnboth through the tubeless vacuum connection port (1103) and the suctionport 127, through the tubing 2107 and through the lid's suction port2102 to draw fluids from canister 1102.

Turning now to FIG. 15 , illustrated therein is an alternate hub mountvacuum source 1500 configured in accordance with one or more embodimentsof the disclosure. In one or more embodiments the hub mount vacuumsource 1500 can be equipped with a central aperture 1501 so that it canbe mounted to a pole 1502 or stand. Where such a central aperture 1501is included, the connection 1503 for the central vacuum source 1204 canbe moved to a non-central location on the top, the bottom, or the sidesof the hub mount vacuum source 1500. In one or more embodiments, alocking mechanism 1505 can also be positioned about the central aperture1501 to securely retain the hub mount vacuum source 1500 to the pole1502 or stand. While the locking mechanism 1505 is shown on the top ofthe hub mount vacuum source 1500 in FIG. 15 , it can also be disposedalong the bottom as well.

In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 15 , each canister receiver 1506has a corresponding actuation switch 1507,1508 that allows eachindividual vacuum port 1509,1510 to be turned ON or OFF. Turning now toFIG. 16 , illustrated therein is a sectional view of the hub mountvacuum source 1500 showing the internal components of each actuationswitch 1507,1508.

In one or more embodiments, each actuation switch 1507,1508 comprises apush button 1601, a shaft 1602, a spring 1603, an aperture 1605 disposedalong the shaft 1602, and a pen click mechanism 1604. When the pushbutton 1601 is pressed into the hub mount vacuum source 1500, the penclick mechanism 1604 retains the shaft 1602 in a first position 1606with the aperture 1605 aligned with the internal manifold 1608 to allowair and fluids to flow therethrough. A second press of the push button1601 causes the pen click mechanism 1604 to release the shaft 1602 fromthe first position 1606 to a second position 1607 where airflow isblocked. Accordingly, each canister 1102 is “activated” by depressingthe push button 1601, and airflow can be allowed or prevented througheach internal manifold 1608 using the actuation switch 1507.

Turning now to FIG. 17 , illustrated therein is an alternate hub mountvacuum source 1700 configured in accordance with one or more embodimentsof the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 17 , rather than having a closedbody, the hub mount vacuum source 1700 is defined by a flat surface 1701that can be used as a small table or work surface. While the flatsurface 1701 is square in FIG. 17 so as to hold four canisters, it cantake other shapes as well. In another embodiment, the flat surface 1701is hexagonal so as to connect to six canisters. In another embodiment,the flat surface 1701 is octagonal so as to connect to eight canisters.Other shapes and configurations for the flat surface 1701 will beobvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of thisdisclosure. In one embodiment, the flat surface 1701 is manufacturedfrom stainless steel, and has its diameter minimized to deliver areduced footprint on the hospital floor. In one embodiment, the flatsurface 1701 can be mounted on a pole 1708 or other stand, which can beadjustable in height.

In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 17 , one or more canisterreceivers 1702,1703 are manufactured by bending pieces of stainlesssteel and welding them to the flat surface 1701. As with the hub mountvacuum source (1200) of FIG. 12 , each canister receiver 1702,1703 isconfigured to receive the mounting bracket (1104) of a canister (1102).The mounting bracket (1104) of the canister (1102) can be pressure-fitinto each canister receiver 1702,1703 using gasket compression and draftangles as described above.

Each canister receiver 1702,1703 includes a vacuum port 1704,1705 thataligns with the tubeless vacuum connection port (1103) when the mountingbracket 1104 seats within its respective canister receiver 1702. Acentral vacuum source 1204 can be coupled to the hub mount vacuum source1700 to provide suction to teach of the vacuum ports 1704,1705 throughone or more external manifolds 1706,1707. In one or more embodiments,vacuum pressure flows from the vacuum ports 1205,1206 to the centralvacuum source 1204 through internal manifolds disposed within the hubmount vacuum source 1200. Turning briefly to FIG. 14 , such internalmanifolds 1401,1402,1403,1404 can be seen.

Turning now to FIG. 18 , illustrated therein is a hub mount stand 1800,to which one or more canisters configured in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the disclosure can be coupled. The illustrative hub mountstand 1800 of FIG. 18 includes one or more flat surfaces 1801,1802 thatfunction as did the flat surface (1701) of FIG. 17 . In thisillustrative embodiment, each flat surface 1801,1802 includes a centralaperture 1803,1804 so that the flat surfaces 1801,1802 can be mounted toa central column 1805. The central column 1805 is coupled to a base 1806that is supported by one or more casters 1807,1808.

In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 18 , each flat surface 1801,1802is octagonal. Accordingly, eight mounting brackets configured ascanister receivers 1809,1810,1811,1812, 1813,1814,1815,1816 can becoupled to each flat surface 1801,1802 so that eight canisters can becoupled to each flat surface 1801,1802.

Turning now to FIG. 19 , illustrated therein is one explanatory canistersystem 1900 suitable for use with the hub mount stand (1800) of FIG. 18. As with previous embodiments, the canister system 1900 includes acanister lid 101 and a canister 1902. A disposable liner (not shown) canbe attached to the canister lid 101 to catch fluids or other materialsdrawn in through the suction port 111.

As before, a suction conduit 112 comprises a separate suction conduitcap 106 that adhesively sealed to each of a first lobe annular wall 107,the second lobe annular wall 108, and the one or more suction ductsidewalls 109 in one embodiment. The suction conduit 112 comprises asuction duct defined by the suction duct sidewalls 109, a first lobeannular wall 107, and the second lobe annular wall 108. The suctionconduit 112 again resembles a dog bone or double-ended lollipop. Thesuction conduit 112 is hollow on the inside such that air or other fluidcan be drawn through the suction conduit 112. The inclusion of thesuction conduit 112 advantageously allows for the elimination of a hoseor tube that would traditionally be used to remove air from, or deliverair to, a suction canister.

The annular perimeter 103 of the canister lid 101 is operable to connectto the lip edge 119 of the canister 1902. The canister 1902 includes acylindrical sidewall 124 that extends from a base 125. In thisillustrative embodiment, the canister 1902 also includes an exteriorsuction assembly 1926. The exterior suction assembly 1926 includes asuction port 127 extending distally from the cylindrical sidewall 124 ona mechanical support 128 that allows the suction port 127 to attach to acentral vacuum or suction apparatus in a hospital or other medicalfacility through a detachable valve 1901.

The detachable valve 1901 of FIG. 19 is similar to the valve (901) ofFIG. 9 in that it is disposed beneath the mechanical support 128. It isalso similar to the valve (501) of FIG. 5 in that it comprises a plank1903 as an actuation mechanism. The plank 1903 includes an aperture 1904that aligns with the conduit 1905 defined axially in the valve 1901 whenthe plank 1903 is in a first position. However, when the plank 1903 istranslated laterally to a second position, the aperture 1904 becomesmisaligned with the conduit 1905 to prevent the flow of air.

In this illustrative embodiment, the plank 1903 is disposed between twoO-ring seals 1906,1907. The plank 1903 and O-ring seals 1906,1907 arethen disposed between a vacuum connection nozzle and a rubber valveinsert 1909 that allows the valve 1901 to be removably inserted into avalve receiver 1910 disposed beneath the mechanical support 128.Accordingly, the valve 1901 can selectively be removed from the canister1902 for cleaning, replacement or service.

Once the canister is assembled, it can be attached to the hub mountstand (1800) of FIG. 19 . As shown in FIG. 20 , a completed suctioncanister system 2000 can include up to sixteen canister systems 1900 formaximum sucking potential.

Turning now to FIG. 22 , illustrated therein is another explanatorycanister system 2200 suitable for use with the hub mount stand (1800) ofFIG. 18 . As with previous embodiments, the canister system 2200includes a canister lid 2201 and a canister 2202. A disposable liner(not shown) can be attached to the canister lid 2201 to catch fluids orother materials drawn in through the suction port 111.

As before, a suction conduit 112 comprises a separate suction conduitcap 106 that adhesively sealed to each of a first lobe annular wall 107,the second lobe annular wall 108, and the one or more suction ductsidewalls in one embodiment. The suction conduit 112 comprises a suctionduct defined by the suction duct sidewalls, a first lobe annular wall107, and the second lobe annular wall 108. The suction conduit 112 againresembles a dog bone or double-ended lollipop. The suction conduit 112is hollow on the inside such that air or other fluid can be drawnthrough the suction conduit 112. The inclusion of the suction conduit112 advantageously allows for the elimination of a hose or tube thatwould traditionally be used to remove air from, or deliver air to, asuction canister.

In this embodiment, the first lobe annular wall 107 comprises a valve2203 comprising a plank 2204, similar to that described above withreference to FIG. 5 . The plank 2204 can be accessed from atop thecanister lid 2201 but beneath the suction conduit cap 106. In oneembodiment, the plank 2204 includes visual indicia 2205,2206, which inthis embodiment is configured as the words “ON” and “OFF.”

In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 22 , the plank 2204 includes anaperture 2207 that aligns with the conduit defined axially in the firstlobe annular wall 107 when the plank 2204 is in a first position.However, when the plank 2204 is translated laterally to a secondposition, the aperture 2207 becomes misaligned with the conduit of thefirst lobe annular wall 107 to prevent the flow of air.

Accordingly, when the plank 2204 is shown in the position of FIG. 22 ,with the visual indicia 2205 extending from the right side of theconduit defined by the first lobe annular wall 107, the valve 2203 isON. However, by pushing the concave recess 2208 toward the first lobeannular wall 107, the plank 2204 translates to the left (as shown inFIG. 22 ) to misalign the aperture 2207 with the conduit defined by thefirst lobe annular wall 107. The other side of the plank 2204 would thentranslate out of the first lobe annular wall 107 to present visualindicia 2205 indicating that the valve 2203 is OFF.

Turning now to FIG. 23 , illustrated therein is another explanatorycanister system 2300 suitable for use with the hub mount stand (1800) ofFIG. 18 . As with previous embodiments, the canister system 2300includes a canister lid 2301 and a canister 2302. A disposable liner(not shown) can be attached to the canister lid 2301 to catch fluids orother materials drawn in through the suction port 111.

As before, a suction conduit 112 comprises a separate suction conduitcap 106 that adhesively sealed to each of a first lobe annular wall 107,the second lobe annular wall 108, and the one or more suction ductsidewalls in one embodiment. The suction conduit 112 comprises a suctionduct defined by the suction duct sidewalls, a first lobe annular wall107, and the second lobe annular wall 108. The suction conduit 112 againresembles a dog bone or double-ended lollipop. The suction conduit 112is hollow on the inside such that air or other fluid can be drawnthrough the suction conduit 112. The inclusion of the suction conduit112 advantageously allows for the elimination of a hose or tube thatwould traditionally be used to remove air from, or deliver air to, asuction canister.

In this embodiment, the annular perimeter 2303 of the canister lid 2201includes a valve 2304. The valve 2304 comprises a plank 2305 that can beaccessed from the side of the annular perimeter 2303. In one embodiment,the plank 2305 includes visual indicia 2306, which in this embodiment isconfigured as the word “ON.”

In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 23 , the plank 2305 includes anaperture 2307 that aligns with the conduit defined axially in the firstlobe annular wall 107 when the plank 2305 is in a first position.However, when the plank 2305 is translated laterally to a secondposition, the aperture 2307 becomes misaligned with the conduit of thefirst lobe annular wall 107 to prevent the flow of air.

Accordingly, when the plank 2305 is shown in the position of FIG. 23 ,with the plank 2305 pulled outwardly from the annular perimeter 2303 ofthe canister lid 2201, this allows visual indicia 2306 to becomevisible, thereby indicating that the valve 2304 is ON. However, bypushing the concave recess 2308 toward the annular perimeter 2303, theplank 2305 translates to the left (as shown in FIG. 23 ) to misalign theaperture 2307 with the conduit defined by the first lobe annular wall107. This causes the visual indicia 2306 to translate into the lid 2301,where it cannot be seen. The absence of the visual indicia 2306indicates that the valve 2304 is OFF.

In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the presentdisclosure have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in theart appreciates that various modifications and changes can be madewithout departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forthin the claims below. Thus, while preferred embodiments of the disclosurehave been illustrated and described, it is clear that the disclosure isnot so limited. Numerous modifications, changes, variations,substitutions, and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the artwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure asdefined by the following claims. Accordingly, the specification andfigures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictivesense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within thescope of present disclosure. The benefits, advantages, solutions toproblems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, orsolution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as acritical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all theclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A canister system, comprising: a canistercomprising a cylindrical sidewall, a mechanical support extendingorthogonally from the cylindrical sidewall, a mounting bracket coupledto the mechanical support, and a tubeless vacuum connection portextending laterally through the mechanical support to the mountingbracket; and a hub mount vacuum source comprising at least one canisterreceiver to receive the mounting bracket, the canister receivercomprising a vacuum port that aligns with the tubeless vacuum connectionport when the mounting bracket seats within the at least one canisterreceiver, the hub mount vacuum source comprising one or more internalmanifolds connecting the vacuum port to a central vacuum sourceconnection.
 2. The canister system of claim 1, the hub mount vacuumsource comprising a first hub mount vacuum source portion separable froma second hub mount source portion to expose the one or more internalmanifolds.
 3. The canister system of claim 2, further comprising atleast one actuation switch allowing the vacuum port to be selectivelyturned ON or OFF.
 4. The canister system of claim 1, further comprisinga canister lid coupled to the canister, the canister lid comprising anannular perimeter interrupted by a suction conduit defined by a suctionduct separating a first lobe and a second lobe, the first lobe disposedinterior of the annular perimeter, the second lobe disposed exterior tothe annular perimeter, and the suction duct traversing the annularperimeter.
 5. The canister system of claim 4, the canister comprising avalve coupled to the mechanical support, the valve defining a duct fromthe second lobe of the canister lid when the canister lid is coupled tothe canister.
 6. The canister system of claim 5, the valve disposedbetween the second lobe and the mechanical support.
 7. The canistersystem of claim 6, the valve further comprising a shaft terminating at apush button, the shaft selectively translatable laterally between afirst position and a second position to turn the valve ON or OFF,respectively.
 8. The canister system of claim 7, the shaft comprisingvisual indicia to indicate whether the valve is ON or OFF.
 9. Thecanister system of claim 8, the visual indicia comprising a recessdefined in the shaft.
 10. The canister system of claim 6, the valvecomprising a plank selectively translatable laterally between a firstposition and a second position to turn the valve ON or OFF,respectively.
 11. The canister system of claim 10, the plank defining aconcave recess at an end of the plank.
 12. The canister system of claim10, the plank comprising visual indicia to indicate whether the valve isON or OFF.
 13. The canister system of claim 10, the visual indiciacomprising one or more of color coding or text.
 14. The canister systemof claim 6, the valve comprising a twisting control mechanism toselectively rotate about the valve between a first position and a secondposition to turn the valve ON or OFF.
 15. The canister system of claim14, the twisting control mechanism comprising a paddle responsive to aforce to axially rotate the twisting control mechanism about the valve.16. The canister system of claim 6, wherein the valve is selectivelydetachable from the mechanical support.
 17. The canister system of claim16, wherein the mechanical support is disposed between the valve and thesecond lobe, wherein the valve comprises: a plank disposed between twoO-ring seals, the plank defining an aperture to selectively align with aconduit defined axially in the valve to turn the valve ON; and a rubbervalve insert that allows the valve to be removably inserted into a valvereceiver of the canister disposed beneath the mechanical support.
 18. Acanister system, comprising: a canister comprising a cylindricalsidewall, a mechanical support extending orthogonally from thecylindrical sidewall, a mounting bracket coupled to the mechanicalsupport, and a tubeless vacuum connection port extending laterallythrough the mechanical support to the mounting bracket; a hub mountvacuum source comprising at least one canister receiver to receive themounting bracket, the canister receiver comprising a vacuum port thataligns with the tubeless vacuum connection port when the mountingbracket seats within the at least one canister receiver, the hub mountvacuum source comprising one or more internal manifolds connecting thevacuum port to a central vacuum source connection a canister lid,selectively attachable to the canister, the canister lid comprising anannular perimeter interrupted by a suction conduit defined by a suctionduct separating a first lobe and a second lobe, the first lobe disposedinterior of the annular perimeter, the second lobe disposed exterior tothe annular perimeter, and the suction duct traversing the annularperimeter; a valve that is selectively detachable from the mechanicalsupport; and a hub mount stand comprising at least one mounting bracketto receive the mounting bracket.
 19. The canister system of claim 18,the hub mount stand comprising one or more flat surfaces supporting theat least one mounting bracket, a central column coupled to the one ormore flat surfaces, and a base comprising one or more casters, the basesupporting the central column.